Church of St Michael (1890)
24 Church Road, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
T: 05-2540176
F: 05-2415437
stmc@streamyx.com
Parish Priest : Rev. Michael Cheah
Sat. Sunset Mass : 7.00 pm (English)
Sunday Masses :
8.00 am English
10.00 am Mandarin
5.30 pm English
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SMC parishioners thank their priests |
| Posted by Diocese of Penang (pgdiocese) on Aug 24 2009 |
August 19 , 2009
IPOH : The parish of St Michael’s Church launched the jubilee year of priests in the parish on Aug 9, in conjunction with the feast of St John Marie Vianney, the patron saint of all priests.
The Year for Priests, which was determined by the Holy Father to start from June 19, 2009 till June 19, 2010 also brings with it the gift of special Indulgences for priests and the faithful. This was explained in detail by SMC parish priest Fr Michael Cheah in his homily.
He said the year for priests is to bring back the relevance of the ministerial priesthood as well as to shake up the effectiveness of the priests in serving the people and the Church. It is also to renew and to bring the concern and love of God once again to the Church.
“St John Marie Vianney is an example and role model of the priesthood and his work as a confessor drew people to seek God’s forgiveness and peace of mind.
“The word ‘indulgence’ is now rarelyheard of, and many don’t know it is connected to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The four steps to getting an indulgence through the Sacrament of Reconciliation are contrition, confession, absolution and penance.
“Indulgences mean the penance we do is done for our individual self, while plenary indulgences mean they are given by Christ. We are absolved from sin and the merit is from Jesus Christ,” he said.
The plenary indulgence given by the Holy Father is for those who find it difficult to go through penance. Penance helps in the temporal suffering of self, for sin. Plenary indulgence is granted as there may be times when we sin and may not be sincere in confession. Adam and Eve sinned and God punished them, even though they were forgiven. It was the same with King David, Fr Cheah said.
He said the purpose of plenary indulgence according to Pope Paul VI, is to bring the faithful to a greater fervour of charity, witness our faith and help us grow in holiness of God.
This is granted when we devoutly offer Mass for the priests of the Church, for good deeds, through confession, and pray for the Holy Father’s intentions.
Plenary/partial indulgence is granted for those attending the first Friday devotions of each month and holy hour with the exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, parish feast day, and pray for the religious, he added.
After the homily, the first part of the launch began, with the pastoral letter of the Bishop, followed by an LCD presentation. Fr Cheah then launched the Year for Priests and together with his assistant, Fr Anthony Chong, unfurled the Year for Priests banner. Fr Cheah then blessed the statue of St John Marie Vianney.
During the prayer of the faithful, a special prayer for priests was said. Part two of the launch was after the Thanksgiving hymn and announcements. Parishioners represented by four age groups, children, youth, a couple, and senior citizens, made a commitment to both priests, by presenting them with gifts.
The children presented a Bible, representing the inspiration and nourishment given by the Word of God in the homilies of both priests, who opened hearts and minds to the teachings of Christ in daily life.
The youth presented a basket of fruit, that through the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist, God may pour His love on the youths to respond wholeheartedly in faith to God’s everlasting love.
The couple presented a gift, as a reminder to all not to take our priests for granted but place greater appreciation of their sacrifice, devotion and dedication.
Two banners of Fr Michael Cheah and Fr Anthony Chong were presented by the senior citizens, to show that the parishioners of St Michael’s commit themselves to pray daily for the parish priests and that God grant them good health and fortitude in their priesthood.
The congregation then sang a song, “I thank my God” in dedication to both priests.
After Mass, many stayed back to say “thank you” to both priests.
Last changed: Aug 24 2009 at 11:31 AM
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